Secrets of the Job Hunt

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Social networking sites aren't just for e-mailing friends and keeping track of exes any longer. By downloading newly designed applications, members can now use Faecbook as a tool to aid in searching for a job.

A sign that the website is maturing from a high school and college phenomenon, finding a job through Facebook is becoming more popular. Many well-known job search websites have begun to get involved, creating additions for members personal sites which gives access to frequently updated postings of employees in need of new staff members. Some of these applications send members alerts as soon as new positions are listed.

Careerbuilder's new Faceboook application is capable of scanning a member's profile for job search relevant information such as location, college major, and networks. Making finding a job on Facebook even easier, Careerbuilder takes this information and uses it to match users with the most promising positions in its database.

When a member signs on to their account they are able to access these local job openings or use a link to look over positions in other areas. The application also allows members to forward job opportunities to other individuals in their network, increasing the likelihood of companies finding the right talent for the job. Other large job search sites who are beginning to use Facebook as a way to reach potential employees include Jobster.com and Indeed.com.

Many believe that such applications will make the process of searching for a job easier and more convenient. This also gives employers a new way to market open positions to the public.

Those who have hopes of finding a job through Faceboook should seriously re-evaluate their profiles. A recent Carerbuilder survey found that one out of every ten recruiting managers use information found on social networking sites to screen their job candidates. Knowing this, it is important, especially for those who use such sites to search for jobs, to look at their profiles as a potential employer might.

Pictures of drunken nights and profanity maybe entertaining to friends, but they do not give off a professional appearance. Those who are not willing to censor themselves should consider changing their privacy settings so that their profile is only visible to friends.